Security Concerns for Boston Free Speech Rally

Boston officials are working to make sure the "Boston Free Speech" rally will not be a repeat of Charlottesville.

(Published Thursday, Aug. 17, 2017)

Saturday's “Boston Free Speech” rally on the Boston Common has been reluctantly approved by the city, but there will be strict rules on how it is carried out.

The city has granted the Boston Free Speech Coalition a permit with conditions that will also apply to counter protesters. No large bags, sticks or weapons will be permitted for both rally attendees and their opposition during the rally. Dump trucks will also be used to block vehicle access.

Boston Mayor Marty Walsh said he didn't want the group to come here, but now that they are, he said violence of any kind will not be tolerated. During an interview on WGBH's "Greater Boston", he said he's confident there won't be a repeat of the situation in Charlottesville.

"That group, to our knowledge, that's coming to Boston Saturday is not the same group that was in Virginia last weekend," he said.

'Keep the Groups Separated': Baker Talks Free Speech Rally

Governor Charlie Baker spoke to members of the media on Thursday about the Saturday "Free Speech" rally on Boston Common.

(Published Thursday, Aug. 17, 2017)

The event will be limited to noon to 2 p.m. instead of the five-hour window organizers had requested.

Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker said the primary object on Saturday is to keep people safe. In order to do that, he said the groups will be kept separated.

"The fundamental objective is to make sure everybody comes out safe while protecting people's First Amendment right to peacefully congregate in a public square," he said.